Making money with images - A Review of Shutterstock

Are you an amateur photographer, graphic designer or animator with lots of juicy pictures? Try selling them to Shutterstock, the largest subscription-based stock photo agency in the world who will pays you 25 cents every time one of your images is downloaded.

There are two main ways to earn money with Shutterstock, either by selling your photos or through the referral of stock buyers and photographers.

How much will I be paid as a submitter?

Our current rate is: $.25 (25 cents per photo download). Since ShutterStock is an all-you-can-download subscription site, a user may purchase a subscription and download hundreds of photos. Your earning potential is endless!

Is there a minimum payout?

Yes, you must accumulate at least $75 to be paid. All earnings are brought forward into the next pay period until you reach $75, at which time a payout will be issued automatically. If you close your account before your earnings reach $75, you will forfeit those earnings.

How often will I be paid?

Monthly, checks are sent out for the previous month’s payouts. For example: On the 15th of March, payments will be sent for February downloads

Can I join if I am outside the USA?

Yes! Certain high fraud areas of the world may require prior approval before an account is created. If your country isn’t listed on the signup form, please contact support and submit your portfolio. We may also require references. As long as you can receive and cash checks by air postal mail, and your pictures are 100% yours, you can join.

DOSH DOSH REVIEW

The most important tip I can give on making Shutterstock work for you, is to be aware of what images sell and what images do not. The easiest way to do so would be check out ShutterStock’s Top 50 images of the week or all time.

I’ve included some of the popular pictures below for your convenience.

Notice the watermark, which is imprinted on your pictures to prevent theft and will be removed when sold to the prospective buyer.

Another important point to note is that the pictures submitted must meet specific guidelines, mostly notably that the picture must be wholly owned by the submitter and cannot contain any copyrighted materials or logos.

Images of identifiable persons must be accompanied by a model release, which is a brief form that must be submitted online when you upload your images. For a complete list of the extensive list of guidelines, visit this page.

After uploading a picture, you can tag it with certain keywords which will enable your picture to show up when a buyer does a search on ShutterStock.

I also liked the fact that there was no limit to the number of photos you can submit and the photos are usually approved within 48 hours.

The pictures I’ve submitted were approved within a day and half but I’ve noticed that it could take much longer if you submit them near or during the weekends.

I’ve submitted several images which were taken with a mega-zoom (Fuji S9500) and some of were accepted. I do suppose that clear focus and the lack of digital noise in your images and other basic compositional elements such as the rule of thirds are important factors of consideration for the Shutter Stock reviewers.

What’s Cool.

- Real-time statistics for photo downloads
- Submitted images are watermarked to prevent theft
- Multiple and fast uploading options
- No limit to number of images to be submitted
- Illustrations and 3D renders are accepted
- Non-exclusive TOS: You can submit the same images to other agencies.
- Active forum: interaction with other photographers/designers.

What’s Not.
- Lots of competition from fellow submitters
- Very strict guidelines for photo submission

Verdict

Shutterstock has a pretty professional setup, which includes a strong user area and efficient image upload tools. Unlike your usual get-paid-to programs, there is absolutely no doubt that Shutterstock does pay it’s submitters.

I also found the forums to be a very useful learning ground if you’re increased in making money as a stock photographer or commercial designer/illustrator. There’s basically a lot to gain from signing up as a member (aff) and very little to lose.